Syracuse Legend Thompson Stresses Books As Much As Hoops With Sons

Stephen Thompson became a Syracuse basketball legend for his high-flying attacks to the rim. He didn't have the greatest outside shooting touch, but constantly soaring toward the basket helped him rank second behind Bill Walton in all-time NCAA tournament shooting percentage at .684.

After a short stint in the NBA with Sacramento and Orlando, Thompson played pro ball in Europe and Japan before settling back in his hometown of Los Angeles. He has been head coach at Cal-State Los Angeles since 2005, and his sons Stephen Jr., a junior, and Ethan, a freshman, led Bishop Montgomery of Torrance to the Division IV state championship this season. His sons say they wish they had some of their dad's signature leaping ability, but Stephen says they are already better shooters than he was. As recruiters have begun to take notice of them, Thompson is just as proud of his sons' academic standing, which will expand their options when considering college offers. Here is more of their story: